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JENKINTOWN, Pa. (CBS) — The Jenkintown Police Department is asking for support for a beloved K-9 member of the force who is battling a rare condition and had to undergo life-saving surgery.

“Rocky,” a German shepherd, has been on the force since 2008, Jenkintown’s first and only K-9 officer. The dog became sick on the job late last month and was rushed to the University of Pennsylvania’s veterinary center, where doctors performed surgery.

“They removed a large part of his colon and then they fused what was left back together,” DiValentino tells KYW Newsradio, “so the next two weeks are very critical. As long as everything stays fused properly, he’ll be able to come back to work in a month.”

Doctors say they don’t know what caused the sudden illness. He’s now home with his handler.

The medical bills are expected to top $8,000, so the department is appealing to the public for help. The K-9 unit is solely funded through donations from local businesses, organizations, and individuals.